HGH for Treatment of Short Stature Caused by Turner's Syndrome
Turner's syndrome is a disease exclusive to women in which one or part of one of their X-chromosomes is not present. X-chromosomes are responsible for the development of ovaries, the production of sex hormones, and general development. Women with Turner's syndrome usually do not form ovaries, and therefore are unable to become pregnant.
X-chromosomes also carry genes that are responsible for height determination. Because of this, many women with Turner's syndrome experience poor growth. Most women with Turner's syndrome do not grow taller than 5ft. -- two inches shorter than the average for women without Turner's syndrome. The mean height for women with Turner's syndrome is 4'7".
The extreme short stature of women with Turner's syndrome is considered a handicap, and it can cause difficulties throughout their lives, even with menial tasks. Most homes are built to be accessible for people greater than 5ft. tall, so people whom are shorter than this height will have trouble accessing cabinets and sinks. Many jobs also require that people meet a certain height. Cars are not developed for people with extreme short stature, and often women with Turner's syndrome must purchase cars with extended foot pedals.
Short stature caused by Turner's syndrome can be treated with human growth hormone. HGH promotes bone growth, resulting in a significant increase in height. Most doctor's recommend that HGH treatment begin when a girl reaches age seven. It ends after the pubescent period. HGH cannot promote bone growth after puberty when the ends of long bones fuse and quit growing. Therefore, woman with Turner's syndrome only grow when treated with HGH in their youth.
